Outdoor adventures for kids that are exhilarating, breathtaking and, best of all, showcase the spectacular Margaret River Region.
There is so much to do and see in the South West,
The challenge is packing all the best bits into your holiday experience, so Lizzy Pepper has rounded up some of the greatest ways to experience the great outdoors with kids. These family-friendly tours are exhilarating, breathtaking and, best of all, showcase the spectacular Margaret River Region.
Buckle up and have a wonderful ride.
OK, so this one is still on my bucket list. Ever since I first spied the Wilyabrup Cliffs on a Cape to Cape hike, and saw those adventurous abseilers, I’ve been keen. Mick from Margaret River Climbing Co will have you abseiling two of the most beautiful places in the region that you wouldn’t usually get to see. You don’t need any experience – Mick’s a great teacher and can cater to almost any level of ability. You can abseil the Wilyabup Cliffs, break for morning tea then climb back up again.
The ocean views are amazing and in spring you might even spot a humpback whale cruising past. Alternatively, abseil into Brides Cave, a doline in Boranup Forest. It’s only accessible by abseiling in, and you’ll be able to explore the crystal-studded cave and soaring chambers. Great for kids aged 10 and over.
If you fancy flying through the forest on an exhilarating zipline, ‘snowboarding’ between trees or climbing a cargo net high off the ground, you’ll love Forest Adventures South West, set in the last remaining tuart forest in the world. It’s the only high-wire course in the south west, and it’s an awesome adventure for families with kids aged 7+, and adults alike. Climb to soaring heights and speed along flying foxes through the treetops. Sounds a little scary? Rest assured, you’ll love it even if you’re afraid of heights. There are six courses, so start with the gentlest to ease yourself into it. Experts are on hand to help you master the safety equipment and deal with any nerves. The equipment is superb – a double carabiner safety system ensures you’re 100% secure.
Great for kids aged seven and above, and taller than 110cm.
Hands-down the most exciting way to see the south west is by helicopter. Jackson from Scenic Helicopters is your affable guide, pointing out all the sights – lighthouses, Lake Cave doline, Surfers Point, Leeuwin Estate and Voyager Estate wineries, schools of salmon and much more. You can land celebrity-style at your favourite winery, picnic at a secluded beach or splash out and see the entire Leeuwin-Naturaliste Cape to Cape by air. His Robinson R44 has space for three passengers – and you can fly with the doors off to make it that much more exhilarating.
The Boranup Forest is a remarkable place – thousands of karri trees on gently undulating terrain. It was logged completely and (fortunately) replanted in the late 1800s. Hence the trees are so uniform; they’re all the same age. EcoAdventures’ electric quad bike tours allow you to quietly explore this beautiful and peaceful place. Tour guide Gary modified 11 quad bikes so they run on electricity – about $1.80 worth per 100km. They are eco-friendly; very quiet, super safe and have no emissions or fumes, perfect for protecting the forest tracks, flora and fauna. The bikes reach a maximum speed of 25 km/h, and you’ll feel very safe as you cruise through the forest. You’ll learn about the history of the region, and the beautiful forest. You’ll cruise past Devil’s Lair, where the remains of a Tasmanian Tiger were found, see a 500-yearold karri tree and gaze in awe at magnificent coastal scenery.
Family-friendly: children aged four years+ can sit in front of the driver.
